Welcome. You'll find comments and information here about education in Tennessee with a focus on Nashville as well other issues as I keep an eye on legislation and news. You'll quickly realize I'm a conservative Christian who isn't the quiet submissive type and doesn't mind rankling, if necessary, to get the job done.

Monday, January 12, 2009

More legislation filed in the Tennessee legislature. Thanks to the updated legislative website the sponsor's names are now hyperlinked to their much more informative web pages. Another nice feature...hover over the bill link in the long list and you'll get the bill sponsor and a hint about what the bill is.

BIG PROBLEM: pointed out by David Oatney---the video archives are AWOL. Not good. I've searched high and low and I can't find the previous session's videos at all. There's no link to the webmaster so no way to easily drop them a note asking when and where they'll return.

Child Custody and Support - As introduced, allows the court in an order for support and maintenance of the children to set a specific amount to cover uninsured medical expenses and if such amount is not paid by the party within 30 days, the court, other party, state, or IV-D contractor may enforce the payment by any legal action permitted by law. - Amends TCA Title 36, Chapter 5, Part 1.

Don't most divorce documents include a provision for health insurance for dependent children? And doesn't a violation of that decree enable a contempt of court citation?

Mortgages - As introduced, delays the sale of land to foreclose a loan, mortgage or deed of trust on owner-occupied single family residences for a period of time; requires the parties to enter into good faith negotiations during such period to renegotiate the terms and conditions of the loan. - Amends TCA Title 35, Chapter 5, Part 1.

Public Health - As introduced, requires the department of health, in coordination with the office of minority health, to develop a plan to respond to the HIV/AIDS crisis in African-American communities throughout Tennessee; authorizes the state treasury to create a special fund designated as the African-American HIV/AIDS Response Fund in which moneys may be deposited, subject to appropriation, to fund implementation of the proposed plan. - Amends TCA Title 68.

I don't see the need for this. Is the health department slighting any segment of the population in this regard? If so, call them on the carpet through the chain of command and let's focus resources where needed. The state legislature doesn't need to create another pocket of money that can only be spent in one area.

Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates Class A misdemeanor offense of owner or employee of intellectual property seizing property alleged to be counterfeit or imitation but permits seizures by law enforcement officers as currently provided by law. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 14 and Title 47.

Nurses, Nursing - As introduced, authorizes the general assembly to appropriate funding for the state school fund to provide for the inclusion of a school nurse in every public school. - Amends TCA Title 49 and Title 68.

I don't agree with the 'every' public school. Let's base it on legitimate need. It's a bit like giving a mouse a cookie. Original intent may be double checking on fevers and skinned knees but mission creep will set in.

Driver Licenses - As introduced, requires all written driver license examinations be given in English. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 50, Part 3.

YES! Until our traffic signs are in the applicant's mother tongue...let's ensure they can read the information on those new TDOT electric signs (and every other road sign) and keep the test in English.

Military - As introduced, authorizes state employees who are in the military to use sick leave rather than annual leave when called to military duties. - Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 33 and Title 8, Chapter 34.

Gresham reaches out once again to her military compatriots and suggests this small and common sense accommodation to make their life easier in exchange for keeping us safe.

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Tennessee Constitution

The state of Tennessee recognizes the inherent value of education and encourages its support. The General Assembly shall provide for the maintenance, support and eligibility standards of a system of free public schools. Article XI, Sec. 12